As part of the City Hall rededication and open house, Mayor Bill Eaton “symbolically” replaced the cornerstone and time capsule. Because of loose bricks in the area the 250-pound stone will rest, the actual replacement will take place next week, but in front of a crowd of about 40, Eaton detailed the items placed in the time capsule and recognized several Masons in attendance.

“Because this is the Masonic Lodge that was begun in 1926 and completed in 1927, we wanted the Masons to have a part in symbolically rededicating this building since it was at their initiation that this building was put into place and subsequently, the city of Russellville had offices in it following the dedication,” Eaton said.

The items inserted into the time capsule, which will be placed behind the cornerstone next week, included: An invitation to the City Hall rededication ceremony, a program for the rededication, articles from About magazine concerning the renovation, an Arkansas Tech University brochure, lapel pin and a program from the university’s centennial convocation ceremony, patches from the Russellville Fire Department and Police Department, Friday’s issue of The Courier, five photos provided by the Masonic Lodge and a list of the 2010-11 Masonic Lodge officers and a copy of a photo of the building from 1927.

“Obviously, after it’s sealed up, it won’t be opened up again for many years,” Eaton said. “I doubt seriously that any of us that are here today will be around when it’s opened again. But we’re sealing it for posterity and we hope that once it is opened again, people will have the recognition of what’s been going on during the renovation of this building and placing this building back into a great service.”

Immediately following the cornerstone ceremony, Eaton and other members of the crowd rounded the corner of the building to unveil the commemorative plaque which features the names of City Council members and mayor when the renovation began.

Eaton then led a small group, including former Mayor Tyrone Williamson on a brief tour of the facility.